Heroes soldier in fraud probe

FORMER soldier Mike Buss has been arrested in connection with a complaint about an alleged fraud against Help For Heroes.

The 39-year-old, of Highworth, was taken to Gablecross police station yesterday afternoon and questioned by officers.

He has organised and taken part in a number of fundraising events for the soldiers’ charity, including a sleep-out supported by Swindon businesses in November 2011.

In 2010 he ran 100 marathons in 100 days on treadmills in different locations, an event which he said raised around £34,000 for the cause.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “Wiltshire Police can confirm that a 39-year-old male from Swindon has been arrested on suspicion of fraud. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Mr Buss, who served with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets, is also the organiser of Swindon’s Armed Forces Day, which is due to take place at Faringdon Park on June 28.

It will raise money slated for Swindon’s Royal British Legion branch, The Rifles’ ‘care for casualties’ appeal and Brews And Wets, which supports servicemen with mental health conditions.

At its launch at Swindon South MP Robert Buckland’s offices last month, he said: “I want to have that park filled so if somebody is interested in being part of it I’ll be rolling out the red carpet to welcome them.

“We’ve held Armed Forces Day at Wharf Green over the last couple of years and I think it has lost its buzz a little. We want it to be a huge success as we are commemorating 100 years since the war and 70 years since D-Day.”

Armed Forces Day is overseen by the Ministry of Defence as a national event with advice and support for people locally who wish to mark the occasion.

A spokesman said: “We would not be able to comment on any ongoing police investigation.”

A spokesman for Help for Heroes declined to comment.

A notice on a Facebook page used to promote Mr Buss’s personal training and fitness business said last night that there would be no classes due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here